Abstract:

The parotid duct is formed by the confluence of two ducts in the gland which ascend and descend at right angle to the main duct. While crossing the masseter muscle, it can receive the accessory parotid duct. Although the anatomical course of this duct is well known, the reports on its normal anatomical variations and morphometry are very few. During routine dissection in the Department of Anatomy of Ege University School of Medicine, double parotid ducts were observed bilaterally in a 72-year-old male cadaver. These were traced carefully and neighboring anatomic structures were demonstrated. The two ducts on both sides merged with each other to form the main parotid duct that had a straight course running horizontally towards the anterior border of the masseter muscle. The length of the main parotid duct was 20.02 mm on the right side and 16 mm on the left side. The distance between tragus and the union point of the double ducts was 52 mm on the right side and 58.72 mm on the left side. Detailed morphometry and location of the double parotid ducts are useful for diagnostic and therapeutic luminal procedures.

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